Photovoltaic cell and led assembly and method of making

ABSTRACT

A LED lighting assembly comprising at least one LED; the at least one LED being mounted to a support; at least one solar element for creating electric power from solar power; at least one battery for storing electricity generated by the solar element; at least one wind vane operatively associated with the support; at least one motor/generator having a first mode for generating electric power from the wind turbine; and at least one shaft operatively connected to the at least one motor/generator and the support; the motor/generator having a second mode in which the motor/generator operates to rotate the support; the at least one motor/generator being operatively connected to the at least one battery for storing electric power therein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a solar powered light assembly andin particular to an economical and highly efficient LED lighting system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional arguments concerning the feasibility of a natural poweredelectrical system often are thought of in terms of one type of powerbeing selected over another. Hybrid and adaptable systems which adapt tochanges in the weather, the type of climate, and the then currentconditions are needed to fulfill the promise of a natural solution toenergy needs.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/025,737 entitled “SOLAR-POWEREDLIGHT POLE AND LED LIGHT FIXTURE,” hereby incorporated by reference,discloses a solar-powered lighting system that includes a flexible,wrap-around, preferably self-stick panel of photovoltaic laminateapplied to the outside surface of a light pole. An LED light fixture isconnected preferably at or near the top of the pole and has the same orsimilar diameter as the pole. The LED light fixture has multiple columnsand rows of LEDs and an interior axial space for air flow to cool theLEDs. The pole preferably also has vents and axial passage(s) forcreating a natural updraft through at least a portion of the pole andthe light fixture, for cooling of the photovoltaic panel interiorsurface, the LEDs, and/or other equipment inside the fixture or pole,and batteries that may be provided inside the pole or pole base.

U.S. Patent Application No. 2006/0149607, hereby incorporated byreference, discloses means for programming and controlling an LEDassembly using a programmable controller and feedback means.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

A preferred embodiment comprises an LED lighting assembly comprising atleast one LED; the at least one LED being mounted to a support; at leastone solar element for creating electric power from solar power; at leastone battery for storing electricity generated by the solar element; atleast one wind vane operatively associated with the support; at leastone motor/generator having a first mode for generating electric powerfrom the wind turbine; at least one shaft operatively connected to theat least one motor/generator and the support; the motor/generator havinga second mode in which the motor/generator operates to rotate thesupport; the at least one motor/generator being operatively connected tothe at least one battery for storing electric power therein. Optionallya programmable controller may be provided to control the assembly.Optionally a remote control may be utilized.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a solarpowered LED in which the solar panels and LED substrate provide supportfor one another and are arranged in a manner which permits ease ofassembly, facilitates cooling and is economical to fabricate which isadaptable to the environment and yet efficient and cost effective. Apreferred embodiment of the present invention comprises methodology forutilizing a combined source of wind, solar and/or alternative energywhich is adaptable both to the surrounding environment, weather and timeof day considerations. In accordance with the principles of the presentinvention, the preferred embodiment is economic, cost effective, andeasily maintainable. Optionally, a preferred embodiment having acombined solar and wind powered electric light (LED) assembly mayinclude adjustable turbine mirrors.

Additional aspects and/or advantages of the invention will be set forthin part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obviousfrom the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspects and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent and more readily appreciated from the following description ofthe embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings ofwhich: The drawings of this invention are illustrative and diagrammaticin nature in order to present the principles of the invention. They arebeing provided as examples without limiting the invention to thespecific configuration or dimensions shown.

FIG. 1 is an illustration showing a side view of a preferred embodimentassembly 10A of the present invention comprising solar panels support 2,LED support 3, central portion 4, cover 5, wind direction detector 7,and motor/generator 9.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of another preferred embodiment assembly 10Bwherein the vanes 6 are located between the solar support 2 and LEDsupport 3 to increase cooling.

FIG. 3 is an illustration showing a cut-away view of the solar panels 2and support 3, and vanes 6 of the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an overhead illustration of a cut-away view of support 3 andsolar panels 2 showing a central portion 4 which provides a housing fora shaft for either rotation thereon or therewith.

FIG. 5 is an overhead illustration of a cut-away view of support 3 andLED support panels 3A.

FIG. 5A is an overhead illustration of a cut-away view of support 3including LED panels 3A. FIG. 5A illustrates optional vanes 6A which canbe used to propel rotation of the support 3 and provide an additionalcooling effect. Optionally, cover 5 may cover one half the circumferenceof vanes 6A so that the wind imparts only vanes turning in the directionof the wind. With the vanes placed in the proximity of the LEDs 3L, thecooling effect is enhanced.

FIG. 6 is an illustration from an overhead perspective of the assemblyof FIG. 1 showing the orientation of cover 5 responsive to a winddirection from the right to the left of the page.

FIG. 7 is an illustration from an overhead perspective of the assemblyof FIG. 1 showing the orientation of cover 5 responsive to a winddirection from the bottom to the top of the page.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of from an overhead perspective of theassembly of FIG. 1 showing the orientation of cover 5 responsive to awind direction from the bottom left to the top right of the page.

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic illustration of the central portion 4 depictingthe contacts which provide for intermittent or “strobe-like” effect forillumination of the LED to conserve power, blend different colors oflight, and/or reduce heat.

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic illustration of an example of a support 3 withLED components or modules 3L supported thereon.

FIG. 11A is a side view illustration of the preferred embodiment of FIG.1 which has the optional capability of tilting at an angle to gainmaximum exposure to the sun.

FIG. 11B is a diagrammatic illustration of a housing 12 comprising amotor 16, two pulleys 16P and 15P upon which a belt drive 17 operates toturn shaft 15. A timer 18 controls the operation as is well know tothose of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of an exemplary solar panel assemblycomprising N-type and P-type semiconductor layers separated by ajunction to form a solar diode assembly.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of an alternate solar panel assemblycomprising N-type and P-type semiconductor layers separated by ajunction to form a solar diode assembly.

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of an optional embodiment in whichthe LED and solar cell are integral. This optional embodiment mayutilize a single substrate for both the solar diode and LED structureswhereby the semiconductor layers for the LED and solar diode arefabricated on the opposite sides of the substate by a process such asepitaxy or molecular beam epitaxy, and wherein the LED and solar diodeform an integral structure.

FIG. 15 is a schematic circuit 20 diagram of a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 16 is a schematic circuit 20A diagram showing the optionalcontroller with control lines represented by dashed lines.

FIG. 17 is a schematic circuit 20B showing the optional controller withcontrol lines represented by dashed lines, remote control and bypasscircuitry.

FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic illustration of a light detector subassemblycircuit. When there is no light falling on the sensor, the relay closes.The closing of the relay may activate the LED circuitry.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFDERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of theinvention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Likereference numerals refer to like elements throughout the description ofthe figures.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on”another element, it can be directly on the other element or interveningelements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to asbeing “directly on” another element, there are no intervening elementspresent. It will be understood that when an element is referred to asbeing “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directlyconnected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may bepresent. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directlyconnected or coupled” to another element, there are no interveningelements present. Furthermore, “connected” or “coupled” as used hereinmay include wirelessly connected or coupled. As used herein, the term“and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. maybe used herein to describe various elements, these elements should notbe limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish oneelement from another. For example, a first layer could be termed asecond layer, and, similarly, a second layer could be termed a firstlayer without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” or “includes” and/or “including” when used in thisspecification, specify the presence of stated features, regions,integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do notpreclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/orgroups thereof.

Furthermore, relative terms, such as “lower” or “bottom” and “upper” or“top,” may be used herein to describe one element's relationship toother elements as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood thatrelative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of thedevice in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. Forexample, if the device in one of the figures were turned over, elementsdescribed as being on the “lower” side of other elements would then beoriented on “upper” sides of the other elements. The exemplary term“lower”, can therefore, encompass both an orientation of “lower” and“upper,” depending of the particular orientation of the figure.Similarly, if the device in one of the figures is turned over, elementsdescribed as “below” or “beneath” other elements would then be oriented“above” the other elements. The exemplary terms “below” or “beneath”can, therefore, encompass both an orientation of above and below.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will befurther understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and thepresent disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized oroverly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Embodiments of the present invention are described herein with referenceto cross section illustrations that are schematic illustrations ofidealized embodiments of the present invention. As such, variations fromthe shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, ofmanufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus,embodiments of the present invention should not be construed as limitedto the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are toinclude deviations in shapes that result, for example, frommanufacturing. For example, a region illustrated or described as flatmay, typically, have rough and/or nonlinear features. Moreover, sharpangles that are illustrated may be rounded. Thus, the regionsillustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes arenot intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region and are notintended to limit the scope of the present invention.

In the description, a term “substrate” used herein may include astructure based on a semiconductor, having a semiconductor surfaceexposed. It should be understood that such a structure may containsilicon, silicon on insulator, silicon on sapphire, doped or undopedsilicon, epitaxial layer supported by a semiconductor substrate, oranother structure of a semiconductor. And, the semiconductor may besilicon, germanium, Indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs),or lead sulfide.InGaAs is a semiconductor composed of Indium gallium arsenic. Othercombinations therof, may not be used in combination but not limited tothe above. In addition, the substrate described hereinafter may be onein which regions, conductive layers, insulation layers, their patterns,and/or junctions are formed.

As stated in Wikipedia, a photodiode is a type of photodetector capableof converting light into either current or voltage, depending upon themode of operation. When used in zero bias or photovoltaic mode, the flowof photocurrent out of the device is restricted and a voltage builds up.The diode becomes forward biased and“dark current” (internally generatedcurrent) begins to flow across the junction in the direction opposite tothe photocurrent. This mode is responsible for the photovoltaic effectwhich is the basis for solar cells.

As further stated in Wikipedia, in the photoconductive mode, the diodeis often reversed biased dramatically reducing the response time at theexpense of increased noise. This increases the width of the depletionlayer, which decreases the junction's capacitance resulting in fasterresponse times. The reverse bias induces only a small amount of current(known as saturation or back current) along its direction while thephotocurrent remains virtually the same. The photocurrent is linearlyproportional to the illuminance.

One facet of the invention, which is simply an option, is to build theLED and solar cell using a common substrate. In so doing, the devicebecomes more integral for stability and lighter for energy conservation.For example, shown in FIG. 12 are the semiconductor layers forming aphotodiode. As reported in Science Daily, in an article titled “AdvanceBrings Low-cost, Bright LED Lighting Closer To Reality,” Jul. 21, 2008,a new breakthrough in solid state lighting LED solid-state lights onregular metal-coated silicon wafers. Inside a reactor, gallium nitrideis deposited on silicon at temperatures of about 1,000 degrees Celsius,or 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. In the new silicon-based LED research, thePurdue engineers “metallized” the silicon substrate with a built-inreflective layer of zirconium nitride. Ordinarily, zirconium nitride isunstable in the presence of silicon, meaning it undergoes a chemicalreaction that changes its properties. The Purdue researchers solved thisproblem by placing an insulating layer of aluminum nitride between thesilicon substrate and the zirconium nitride.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. The assembly shown in FIG. 1 is a preferred embodimentassembly 10 comprising solar panel support surface 2, LED support 3,central portion 4, cover 5, wind direction detector 7, andmotor/generator 9. It can be readily appreciated by those of ordinaryskill in the art that the solar support surface 2 may comprise one or aplurality of panels 2P and may take a variety of forms, such as circles,squares, rectangles or arcuate sections. The solar panels 2 may range indimensions from 1 inch by one inch to two square feet depending on theapplication, power requirements, and resources available. The LEDsupport 3 is shown as a “disk” but can be any configuration or form. LEDsupport 3 supports LED 3L; which may be a plurality of up to 50depending on the intensity desired. Moreover, the selection of LEDs 3Lis exemplary and any type of light may be used without departing fromthe scope of the invention. The function of the solar support 2 and LEDsupport 3 may be combined and a single support may perform bothfunctions. Additonally, the solar support 2 and LED support 3 as well assolar diodes 2S and LEDs 3L may be one integral unit. Inasmuch as bothLEDs 3L and photodiodes 2S comprise substrates, a preferred embodimentutilizes the same substrate for both the photodiode and LEDs. In thisregard, the LEDs 3L may be formed using, for example, a sapphiresubstrate. The same substrate may be used for the photodiodeconfiguration. By doing so, the assembly weight and materialrequirements are reduced. Moreover, an integral unit comprising thesolar support 2 and LED support 3 provides for ease of assembly andgreater strength and durability.

Assembly 10 further comprises vanes 6 mounted on the support 3. Thevanes may be plastic or aluminum or any material which provides a lightweight, durable, rigid construction. The vanes cause the support 3 toturn in response to the force of the wind. Wind screen 5 issubstantially semicircular in configuration and shields one side of theLED support 3 while the other side is subjected to the wind. Wind screen5 is rotatably mounted and is controlled by central vane 7 whichresponds to wind direction. In addition, LED support 3 is operativelyattached to central portion 4 so as to rotate as motor/generator 9turns, as will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 2, the wind screen covers half of the vanes 6 so thatthe force applied by the wind to the vanes cases them to turn in asingle direction. Other configurations which achieve this result arecontemplated within the scope of the invention. The wind screen issubstantially clear so as to allow the sun rays to penetrate to thesolar panels 2.

Optionally the vanes 6 may be solar panels or mirrors that form theblades of the wind turbine. On the opposite side to solar panels 2S, LEDsupport 3 may comprise additional vanes 6 which mirror or focus lightfrom the LED support 3. In other words, mirrors operate to focus lightonto solar panel as well as focus light onto subject area. Turning ofturbine creates strobe effect to decrease light energy being used. Theturbine blades 6 are optionally adjustable so that maximum wind speeddoes not damage generator/battery charger and/or structural supportingstructure.

Shown in FIG. 3 is a preferred embodiment in which the vanes 6 arepositioned between the solar panels 2 and LED support 3. Thisconfiguration effectively channels the wind between the solar panels 2and LED structure. The wind dissipates the heat energy given off by theLEDs so as to facilitate cooling or temperature control. In the absenceof wind, the vanes 6 may be turned by motor 9 to facilitate cooling.FIG. 3 further shows a side view of the LED support 3, photodiodes orsolar panels 2, wind screen or cover 5 and wind directional vane 7, Winddirectional vane 7 operates in a manner similar to a weather vane inthat it points in the wind direction. Wind directional vane 7 may be avariety of configurations The directional vane 7 and wind screen form anintegral unit and are designed so the weight is evenly distributed eachside of the axis of rotation, but the pointer can move freely on itsaxis. The area of the directional vane 7 is distributed so that the sidewith the larger area is blown away from the wind direction. The optionaldirectional pointer may be mounted such that is always on the smallerside. For the wind direction reading to be accurate, the directionalvane must be located well above the ground and away from buildings,trees, and other objects which interfere with the true wind direction.But the same is not necessary for the basic functioning of the assembly10.

Shown in FIG. 4 is a “see-through view” showing the overlay of thephotodiode panels 2 vis-à-vis the LED support 3, and the central pivotor rotating shaft-like portion or housing 4. These elements are notintended to be transparent, but are shown as being transparent forillustrative purposes only. Although four panels 2 occupying quartersections are shown in FIG. 4, any number of panels may be utilized. Thepanels may be shaped in the form of a rectangle, square, circle, arcuatesegment or can be solid or contain holes for the passage of air.

FIG. 5 illustrates the support 3 which can be rotatably attached to acentral shaft. The LED segments 3A or blocks may be of any configurationand the four arcuate segments are but an example of a variety ofpossible configurations. LED modules which are commericially availablemay be placed on the LED support 3 in a conventional manner. FIG. 5illustrates an optional shaft 4S, housing 4, key 8K and solenoid 8S.When solenoid 8S is energized, the central portion of the solenoid 8Sengages the key 8K in the shaft 4S causing the shaft to turn with thesupport 3.

FIG. 5A is an overhead illustration of a cut-away view of LED support 3illustrating optional vanes 6A which can be used to propel rotation ofthe support 3 and provide an additional cooling effect. Optionally,cover 5 may cover one half the circumference of vanes 6A so that thewind imparts only vanes turning in the direction of the wind.

Shown in FIG. 6 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 6, for a prevailing wind direction fromright to left (as shown in the Figure) the wind direction detector 7would point to the left and the cover 5 would cover half o f the vanes 6so that the support 2 and the support 3 would turn in a counterclockwisedirection on central portion 4. Central portion 4 may be a shaft whichis operatively connected to shaft 11 and motor/generator 9. Althoughfour vanes (or eight vane segments are shown in FIG. 6, any number ofvanes could be used to enable the wind to propel or rotate thesubassembly.

Shown in FIG. 7 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 7, for a prevailing wind direction frombottom to top (as shown in the Figure) the wind direction detector 7would point to the top and the cover 5 would cover half o f the vanes 6so that the solar panels 2 and the LED support 3 would turn in acounterclockwise direction on central portion 4. Central portion 4 maybe a shaft which is operatively connected to shaft 11 andmotor/generator 9. Although four vanes (or eight vane segments are shownin FIG. 7, any number of vanes could be used to enable the wind topropel or rotate the subassembly.

Shown in FIG. 8 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 8, for a prevailing wind direction frombottom left to top right (as shown in the Figure) the wind directiondetector 7 would point to the top right and the cover 5 would cover halfo f the vanes 6 so that the solar panels 2 and the support 3 would turnin a counterclockwise direction on central portion 4. Although the cover5 is shown as solid and not transparent to like, the cover 5 may betransparent or translucent to allow passage of sunlight to panels 2.

Shown in FIG. 9 is a preferred embodiment subassembly that is anoptional portion of the invention. The subassembly comprises a centralportion 4 which is operatively connected to a shaft 11, which may besolid or hollow. Although only a portion of the support 3 is shown inFIG. 9, it can be appreciated that the support 3 extends outward fromthe portion shown in FIG. 9. In an optional embodiment, the shaft 11 hasa first electrical contact which may be a metal such as copper, gold,silver or aluminum. As the support 3 turns on the shaft 11, a secondelectrical contact 8B makes intermittent electrical connection with thecontact 8A. When powering the LEDs through this contact, a strobe-likeeffect is achieved when the LEDs are turned on and off as intermittentcontact is made through the connection of contacts 8A and 8B. Thecontact portion 8B may be adjustable thought the expansion andcontraction of the area of the contact 8B. This strobing effectconserves energy and creates a decorative effect. In an embodiment inwhich the battery level is monitored, when the battery reaches a lowcharge level, the assembly may automatically be switched to a mode inwhich the LEDs are flashed on and off in the strobe mode to conserveenergy from the battery. Optionally, controller 21 may control theoperation of contacts 8A, 8B and shaft 11.

Moreover, the shaft and support 3 may have an integral setting or modein which the support 3 is substantially locked (such as for example by asolenoid 8S) so as to turn integrally with the shaft 11. This may beaccomplished mechanically, such as by using a sliding pin, or remotelysuch as by using magnetism to lock the contacts 8A, 8B in place. Whenthe contacts are locked into position freely relative to one another, inthis mode, the contacts 8A and 8B remain in direct contact as the shaft11 turns. Alternately, the shaft 11 may turn freely in one direction,yet be prevented from turning in another such as by a rachet-type systemwell known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Contacts 8A and 8B aremerely examples of a strobe element which function may be perform byother means which cause power to the LEDs 3L to be intermittent. Thestrobe element may be controlled through the use of programmablecontroller 21.

Shown in FIG. 10 is an example of a preferred embodiment support 3section and LED modules 3L. More specifically, conventional LED modules3L are shown. The modules may be connected to the battery 13 in aconventional manner. Any variety or type of LED may be used withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention in which assembly 10C comprises support 3, solarpanels 2, cover 5, and wind direction vane 7. Motor-generator 9 ispivotally mounted by supports 14. Each of supports 14 are attached to apivot or shaft or pivot 15. Shaft or pivot 15 is in turn driven by amotor (shown in FIG. 11B) inside housing 12 which causes the entireassembly 10C to pivot as shown in FIG. 11. As a result the solar support2 and elements 2S on the assembly 10C can track the sun as it rises inthe east and sets in the west. For example, a motor 16 slowly turns thepulley which drives the belt resulting in the angular disposition of theelements 2S.

FIG. 11B is a schematic showing the inside of housing 12, which may forexample comprise a motor 16, timer 18 and belt 17 which drives a pulley15P mounted on shaft 15 to drive the pivoting of the subassembly shownin FIG. 11. Timer 18 is set so that the solar cells 2S will face in apredetermined direction at a predetermined time in order to maximize thesunlight or environmental light on the solar panels, elements, or diodes2S. The timer 18 activates the motor 16 which drives belt 17 to drivepulley 15P on pivot or shaft 15 that causes the entire assembly 10 topivot. As a result the solar elements 2S on the assembly 10 can trackthe sun as it rises in the east and sets in the west.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of an alternate solar panel assembly 2SAcomprising a positive grid, N-type layer, active section, P-type layerand metal electrode. The solar element is connected to the circuit 20and battery 13 as described herein.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of an alternate solar panel assembly 2SBcomprising a negative grid, P-type layer, active section, n-type layerand metal electrode. The solar element is connected to the circuit 20and battery 13 as described herein.

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of an optional embodiment in whichthe LED and solar cell are integrally formed or combined aftermanufacture. Specifically, shown in FIG. 14 is a top anode ortransparent electrode. Shown next is a grid, P-type layer, activesection, N-type layer, metal electrode (cathode), silicon layer,insulating layer of aluminum nitride, built-in reflective layer ofzirconium nitride, and gallium nitride. Schematically shown in FIG. 14is circuit subassembly 20 and battery 13.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a device 19 for regulating thevoltage, controlling the charge into, and/or current from the battery 13which also may optionally function as an on/off switch which preventsovercharging of the battery 13 and/or effectively removes battery 13from the circuit 20A. Motor generator 9 operates to recharge battery 13when in the generator mode and when a low battery indicator 23 indicatesthe need for a charge. The motor/generator 9 is optional in that thesolar diodes may optionally be the sole means for recharging the battery13. Also, when the motor/generator 9 is operating in the circuit 20A, incases where the wind is causing the rotation of the vanes 6, the batterymay be bypassed using device 19 to disconnect the battery from thecircuitry entirely. Similarly, a device 19A may optionally be positionin series with the motor/generator 9 to disconnect it from the circuitrywhen desired. As a further option, devices 19 and 19A may be combinedinto a combined voltage regulator, charge controller and/or charge levelindicator. When the battery is determined to be low, (from optional lowbattery indicator 23 or the function could be incorporated into thepower controller/regulator 19) the contacts 8A, 8B may be positionedsuch that the contacts are only intermittently connected to create astrobe-like effect for the activation of the LEDs 3L. Similarly,temperature sensor 22 may be operatively connected to the contacts 8A,8B shorten the contact duration through contacts 8A, 8B or optionallymay operate to open the optional switch 16L to prevent over heating ofthe LEDs 3L, and/or activate motor/generator 9 to rotate the support 3to create a cooling effect. Moreover, alternatively the light detector25 (such as commonly used part 2N3904) may operate to turns the LEDs onand off at daylight and dusk either by sensing the intensity of lightfrom the sun and/or environment or by a timer which turns the LED on andoff at specified times and also be responsive to the temperature sensor.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing circuitry 20B comprising anoptional controller 21, with control lines represented by dashed lines.Controller 21 may be a microprocessor, programmable controller,processor, programmable chip device, computer, microcomputer, controlleror the like. Controller 21 may receive control signals from the lowbattery indicator 23 and, in turn, regulate the contacts 8A, 8B suchthat the contacts are only intermittently connected to create astrobe-like effect for the activation of LEDs 3L. Similarly, iftemperature sensor 22 sends a high temperature control signal to thecontroller 21, controller 21 may send control signals via the controllines to any one of or in tandem open the optional switch 16L to preventover heating of the LED, activate motor/generator 9 to rotate thesupport 3 to create a cooling effect, and/or shorten the contactduration through contacts 8A, 8B. Moreover, alternatively controller 21may have a light detector which turns the LED on and off at daylight anddusk either by sensing the intensity of light from the sun and/orenvironment or by a timer which turns the LED on and off at specifiedtimes. Moreover the controller 21 may be a programmable controllerincludes a feedback routine for measuring the intensities of the LEDs 3Land using the actual intensities as feedback. Optionally, the controllermay cause the LEDs 3L to be supplied with approximately 50% of saidmaximum current capacity or some fraction thereof to either conservepower or reduce the temperature of the LEDs. Optionally, theprogrammable controller may operate to adjust the intensity, with theprogrammable controller including an intensity compensation routine foradjusting the intensity of the LED, based on the intensity as detectedby feedback means.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing the circuitry of a preferredembodiment assembly 20C comprising an optional controller 21 withcontrol lines being represented by dashed lines illustrating the sendingof control signals and receiving of data signals. These control linesmay be wired or connect wirelessly such as for example, by Bluetoothtechnology. The circuit assembly 20 C may further comprise an optionalremote control and bypass circuitry. Shown in FIG. 17 is a controller 21which is optionally controlled by a remote control 26. Controller 21,which is optionally programmable, controls switch 17 which causes themotor/generator 9 and battery 13 to become connected to the solar celland LEDs 3L. Controller 21 may operate to select one of the motor orgenerator to rotate the support 3 using the motor mode ofmotor/generator 9 or select the generator mode in order for the rotationof the support 3 to be used to generate electricity in the generatormode of motor/generator 9. Optionally, the extent of the battery chargemay trigger the mode of the motor/generator 9. Such as, for example, ifthe battery is low, and the wind is causing the support 3 to turn, powerfrom the rotation can be used to generate electricity to power to LEDs3L or for storage into battery 13. Controller 21 is linked by controllines to the low battery indicator 23. If a low battery is sensed andthe solar cells are not in the process of recharging the battery (suchas for example, during nighttime), the controller, which includes aday/night photosensor, may either disconnect the battery from the LEDcircuitry or cause the LEDs to flash intermittently through contacts 8A,8B in strobe-like fashion to conserve power.

Inasmuch as controller 21 is also optionally connected by control linesto motor/generator 9, if the operator who operates the remote control 26decides that a turning of the support 3 is beneficial to cause rotationof the LEDs 3L, then the operator turns the motor 9 on via the remotecontrol. Similarly, the control lines are connected to an optionaldirect activation circuit which bypasses the photoelectric lightdetector 25 and turns on the LEDs 3L for purposes of testing or daylightoperation. Optionally, a motion senor 27 may be used to activate theLEDs 3L when motion is sensed by the motion sensor 27. Controller 21 mayoptionally be connected to the motion sensor 27 to deactivate the motionsensor 27 through either programming or through operator activation viathe remote control 26.

As depicted in FIG. 17, an optional controller 19 which may be orinclude a voltage regulator/charge control that optionally functions asa switch to effectively regulate the charging of the battery 13,regulate the voltage/current or electrical power being sent to and/orfrom the battery 13 and/or disconnect the battery 13 from the remainingcircuitry. For example, if wind power is driving the wind vanes andproducing electric power via the motor/generator 9 and the battery isnot in need of a charge, the controller 19 may receive control signalsfrom the controller 21 which effectively opens a switch withincontroller 19 to remove the battery 13 from the remainder of circuit 20.If the wind power is available, but either the LEDs 3L arenonoperational or power is in excess of that needed to power the LEDs,then the controller 21 in conjunction with the controller 19 may causethe current generated by the motor/generator 9 to charge the battery 13.

Controller 21 may be optionally connected to the motor generator 9.Control signals may be used to set the motor/generator into either themotor mode, which operates to turn the support 3 or in the generatormode whereby rotation of the support 3 drives the generator 9.Controller 21 may be connected to sense the motion of the support 3 todetermine if the wind is driving the turbine blades 6 so that power fromthe generator 9 may be used to either recharge the battery or power theLEDs.

Controller 21 may also connected via control lines to temperature sensor22. Should the temperature being sensed exceed a predeterminedtemperature above which the circuitry or LEDs 3L or solar elements 2Smay be damaged or effected by to much heat, the controller may (1) turnoff the LEDs, (2) intermittently activate the LEDs and/or (3) cause themotor 9 to rotate support 3 effectively operating as a fan to cool downthe LEDs 3L.

FIG. 5A is an overhead illustration of a cut-away view of support 3including LED panels 3A. FIG. 5A illustrates optional vanes 6A which canbe used to propel rotation of the support 3 and provide an additionalcooling effect. Optionally, cover 5 may cover one half the circumferenceof vanes 6A so that the wind imparts only vanes turning in the directionof the wind. With the vanes placed in the proximity of the LEDs 3L, thecooling effect is enhanced. With the optional embodiment shown in FIG.5A, the vanes may be placed in the proximity of the LEDs 3L to enhancethe cooling effect. The LEDs 3L shown in FIG. 5A are merely illustrativeas to a potential location of 3 LEDs 3L are exemplary and not limiting.The light from the LEDs 3L as shown is reflected by the mirroredsurfaces of the wind vanes 6A to either scatter or intensify the lightdepending upon the nature of the application, environment and purpose ofthe light. For example, the mirrored vanes may provide a decorativeeffect or may be used to increase coverage of the light being emittedfrom the LEDs 3L.

Controller 21 may optionally be programmed to turn on and off certain ofthe LEDs 3L at either specific times or in a specific sequence.Optionally, the LEDs may vary in color and the controller 21 may be usedto vary the colors and/or the sequence of colors. This may beprogrammable and/ or operator activated through remote control 25.Moreover, in conjunction with the motion activated circuitry or motionsensor 27, the LEDs may flash red, for example, when an intruder issensed. Thus, the device is operable as a security system. Optionally,an alarm may be activated upon the sensing of motion. The controller mayoptionally be used to select a security mode or the remote control maybe used by the operator to select a security mode.

Controller 21 is also connected by control lines (shown in FIGS. 16 and17 by dashed lines) to a controller 19A which optionally may includevoltage regulator or charge control functions. Controller 19A mayoptionally include a switch which effectively removes the motorgenerator 9 from the circuit 20. For example, in extreme windconditions, it may be desirable to remove the generator completely fromthe circuitry.

The terminology controller as used herein may be a microprocessor,computer, programmable controller, programmable chip, processor or thelike. The terminology motor/generator as used herein means a combinationmotor/generator or, in the alternative, a motor operatively connected toa generator. The motor/generator having a motor mode when it is used toturn a shaft and a generator mode in which a turning shaft generateselectrical power.

Although a few exemplary embodiments of the present invention have beenshown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat changes may be made in these embodiments, without departing fromthe principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which isdefined in the claims and their equivalents.

1. An LED lighting assembly comprising: at least one LED; the at leastone LED being mounted to a support; at least one solar element forcreating electric power from solar power; at least one battery forstoring electricity generated by the solar element; at least one windvane operatively associated with the support; at least onemotor/generator having a first mode for generating electric power fromthe wind turbine; and at least one shaft operatively connected to the atleast one motor/generator and the support; the motor/generator having asecond mode in which the motor/generator operates to rotate the support;the at least one motor/generator being operatively connected to the atleast one battery for storing electric power therein.
 2. The assembly ofclaim 1 further comprising a light detector; the light detectorcontrolling the operation of the LED.
 3. The assembly of claim 1 whereinthe at least one generator comprises light detector turns the LED on andoff.
 4. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the support is operativelyassociated with a shaft for rotation thereon; and wherein the supporthas a plurality of wind vanes operatively associated therewith whichcause the support to rotate and causes the shaft to rotate which causesthe at least one generator to generate electric power in the first mode;and when the motor/generator is in the second mode, the motor/generatorcauses the support to rotate whereby the wind vanes operate to cool theat least one LED.
 5. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the at least onewind vane comprises a plurality of wind vanes operatively associatedwith the support to form a wind turbine; the support being operativelyassociated with the shaft; the shaft being operatively associated withthe at least one motor/generator, such that when the motor/generator isin the first mode, the wind causes the wind turbine to turn and themotor/generator operates to generate electricity, and when themotor/generator is in the second mode, the motor/generator causesrotation of the support to generate air flow to cool the at least oneLED.
 6. The assembly of claim 1 wherein at least one motor/generatorcomprises a motor which rotates the support.
 7. The assembly of claim 1further comprising at least one strobe element which causes the LED toturn on and off.
 8. The assembly of claim 7 wherein the strobe elementis operatively associated with the shaft; whereby as the shaft rotatesthe strobe element makes contact intermittently causing intermittentoperation of the at least one LED.
 9. The assembly of claim 1 whereinthe at least one solar element having a surface for absorbing sunlightand the support are supported by the shaft; the shaft being pivotallymounted to a pivot which is driven by a second motor, whereby throughthe operation of the motor the solar element surface is positioned toabsorb sunlight from the sun as the sun rises and sets.
 10. The assemblyof claim 1 further comprising a cover operatively associated with thesupport and a wind direction detector operatively associated with thecover causing the cover to turn when the wind changes direction; andwherein the at least one vane comprises a plurality of wind vanesoperatively associated with the support to cause rotation thereof, andwherein the wind causes the support to roate, the cover covers the windvanes for which the force of the wind is in a direction opposite to therotation of the vanes.
 11. The assembly of claim 9 further comprising acontroller which is programmable which controls the operation of thefirst and second motors.
 12. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the atleast one LED and the at least one solar element are fabricated as asingle unit.
 13. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the at least one LEDcomprises a first semiconductor crystal and the at least one solarelement comprises a second semiconductor crystal, the first and secondsemiconductor crystals being formed on a common substrate.
 14. Theassembly of claim 1 further comprising a programmable controller forcontrolling the motor/generator for selectively changing themotor/generator from the first to the second mode.
 15. The assembly ofclaim 1 further comprising a temperature sensor and wherein themotor/generator operates in the first mode when the wind is causing thesupport to turn and operates in the second mode in response to thetemperature sensor to generate air flow to cool the assembly.
 16. Theassembly of claim 1 further comprising an ambient light conditiondetector and wherein the at least one LED is activated by the ambientlight condition detector.